1. I want the larger screen. The ipod's is too small for comfortable reading.
2. I want to be able to transfer books to the device without having to go through itunes. Isn't it mysterious that I can copy pictures from the ipod using a usb cable, but cannot copy anything to it?
3. I'm hoping Fire's browser will be able to see shared files on my LAN. Safari on the ipod mysteriously won't, although Safari on the Mac will. This limitation severely limits the usefulness of the ipod, as it cannot see my local shared books, pictures, or music.
I have an older Kindle, which I like very much, but it won't see shared files either. But at least they labeled it's browser as "experimental", so I had no expectations. And I can transfer books to it via usb from my desktop without needing to install anything on the desktop.
Don't get me wrong, I like the ipod a lot. But I want a fire, too [stamps feet].
The lowest I've seen is $299 for a refurbished iPad 1 a while back when Apple was trying to clear them out.
Amazon is presenting this as a win for users. Perhaps, but not only so. It’s also a win for people who build complicated web applications. Such as... Drum roll... Amazon.com.
What the Kindle claims to have going for it is that I as a consumer can buy a low-end device but enjoy a high-end experience when I use a non-trivial web application such as online shopping.